United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Denmark passport holders
Danish passport holders visit the United Kingdom visa-free for up to 6 months. The UK left the EU and Schengen Area. From 2025, Danish citizens will need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel, costing £16, but no traditional visa is required.
Great news! Denmark passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
From 2025, Danish citizens need to obtain a UK ETA before travel. Apply via the UK ETA app or at eta.home-office.gov.uk. The fee is £16. Applications are processed typically within hours but can take up to 3 business days. The ETA is linked to your passport and valid for 2 years or until passport expiry. You do not need a physical stamp or document; airlines verify it electronically. No visa appointment is required. The 6-month stay allowance applies per visit.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Denmark to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020. As a result, Danish citizens no longer have EU freedom of movement rights in the UK. However, Denmark and the UK maintain a bilateral arrangement allowing visa-free visits for up to 6 months (180 days). In January 2025, the UK introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for EU and other nationalities who were previously visa-exempt. The ETA is not a visa but a pre-travel permission linked electronically to your passport. Copenhagen Airport has extensive direct connections to London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), London Stansted (STN), Manchester (MAN), and Edinburgh (EDI). The UK is one of the most popular destinations for Danish travelers for tourism, business, and visiting the large Danish community in London.
How to Get There
SAS, British Airways, EasyJet, Norwegian, and Ryanair all fly Copenhagen (CPH) to London airports (LHR, LGW, STN) with flight times under 2 hours. Direct routes also connect to Manchester (MAN), Edinburgh (EDI), and other UK cities. DFDS formerly operated a Harwich-Esbjerg ferry, which was discontinued.
Money & Banking
The UK uses the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Cards are universally accepted; the UK is broadly cashless. Contactless is standard everywhere including taxis and market stalls. ATMs are widely available; check your bank's foreign transaction fees. London is an expensive city by European standards; accommodation, dining, and attractions tend to cost more than in Scandinavia's major cities. Tipping of 10-15% is expected at sit-down restaurants.
Practical Tips
The UK uses Type G plugs (three-pin rectangular). Danish plugs do not fit; bring a Type G adaptor. Voltage is 230V/50Hz. The UK drives on the left. London has an excellent public transport system (Tube, buses, Elizabeth line). The Oyster card or contactless bank card is the most convenient way to pay for London transport. Trains connect London to Edinburgh, Manchester, Bath, and other cities via the national rail network. Tap water is safe throughout the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Danish citizens need a visa for the UK after Brexit?
No visa is required. Danish citizens can visit the UK visa-free for up to 6 months. However, from 2025 a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costing £16 is required before travel.
What is the UK ETA and how do Danish citizens apply?
The UK ETA is a pre-travel permission linked electronically to your passport. Apply via the UK ETA app or at eta.home-office.gov.uk. Cost is £16. Processing is usually within hours but allow up to 3 business days.
How long can Danish citizens stay in the UK?
Up to 6 months (180 days) per visit. This is a generous allowance compared to the old Schengen 90-day rule. Danish citizens no longer have EU freedom of movement rights in the UK following Brexit.
Do I need a different plug adaptor for the UK?
Yes. The UK uses Type G plugs (three-pin rectangular), which are different from Danish plugs. A Type G adaptor is essential. Voltage is 230V/50Hz, same as Denmark.
Can Danish citizens work in the UK after Brexit?
Working in the UK requires a separate UK work visa. Danish citizens no longer have automatic right to work in the UK following Brexit. Various skilled worker visa routes are available.
What airlines fly from Copenhagen to the UK?
SAS, British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, and Norwegian all fly Copenhagen (CPH) to London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), and Stansted (STN) in under 2 hours. Direct routes also serve Manchester and Edinburgh.
What currency does the UK use?
The UK uses British Pound Sterling (GBP), not the Euro. Cards are universally accepted and the UK is broadly cashless. Tipping of 10-15% is expected at sit-down restaurants.